I've read all of the original dune books and the "new ones" except the Butlerian Jihad and I like the them. Of course they don't match up to the original ones but it wasn't horrible. The Dune house books were very good and introduced new plots and uncovered questions. You shouldn't tell people dont get the books because you thought they suck, let them read it and find out for themselves.

Clint wrote: "these "new" dune books can't compare to the originals. but they do offer something new related to dune to read.

My sentiments exactly.

Sorry it took so long to get back. I tried reading one of the 'Book of the New Sun' series and only made it about 25-30 pages in. I found Gene Wolfe to be too wordy, too long winded and too dry. I'm not sure which one I read but it opened in a cemetary. Basically the book put me to sleep. I was really hoping to like it just like I was hoping I was going to like the movie 'Lord of the Rings' but that also put me to sleep.

these "new" dune books can't compare to the originals. but they do offer something new related to dune to read.

it may not have the depth of the originals, but there are some interesting tongue in cheek bits to them. just as with the other "new" novels, they offer little bits of trivia - the count's scar, st. alia of the knife, the dirty clock, origins of mentats, suk's, bene gesserit.

it's been a few years since my last reading of the dune books, but my only recollection of this kind of trivia from frank herbert was the revelation as to who the imperial scribe was (you see his name given by leto II under many of the chapter quotes, only to find his true identity near the end of the novel [and we even meet him in this book:])

I'm confused, I thought I did say I liked them. Judging by the other reviews, I see that there are also several other people who liked them. My whole point in all this mindless babble was, I thought the reviewing a book was just that - you read the book and then told what you liked or didn't like about it. Of course that's what I learned way back in grade school. Maybe I should of just said the author was a hack and turned that in. It would of made things a lot easier back then : )

I never heard of Gene Wolfe but that doesn't mean anything. I'll see if my wife can get it at the library. Thanks.

John, if you've read all the latter-day, post-Frank Herbert-but-making-money-for-the-estate titles and loved them, say so, and trust that people here will listen to you. For myself, I applaud you for your ability to tolerate horrendous writing, absurd plotting, and generally slipshod publishing. All I can say is that I read one of them, and the experience was grim and unhappy for me. As far as that goes, even the later "Dune" novels that were theoretically written by Frank Herbert himself were pretty dreadful, and if you could make your way through them I admire your fortitude.

Have you ever read Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun"? It has all the mystery, exoticism, and adventure of the original, beautiful, powerful Dune.

And no I am not a publicist. I have nothing to do with the industry. I like to read Sci-Fi. After I had read Frank Herberts Dune series, I've been trying to find something else to read. My wife works at the library and she was bring me all kinds of sci-fi books none of which held my interest. I wasn't even aware that Brian and Kevin had picked up the Dune series until I saw Dune: House Atreides at the supermarket. I read it and was blown away. I thought they did an excellent job with each and every book and I recommend them to anyone. But what do I know I just read the books unlike some people. If you want specifics I could try, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone else. I've read some excellent reviews by other people who had gone into much greater detail than I do.

I'm sorry but I thought the whole Dune series was pretty good. If you didn't like it that's fine. Oh, pleaseeee. There is no hard evidence. My point is please don't do a review on something if you haven't even taken the time to read it. I didn't see 'Titanic' because I didn't care too. I can say it sucked but what to I know because I DIDN'T EVEN GO SEE IT. For petes sake use the brains you were given.

From a relatively objective viewpoint on this topic, (I've neither read the book nor intend to)I'd like to support John for his acumen in noting that neither of Herbert's critics has read the entire book. Ampoliros bases his opinion on a preview chapter and a synopsis; Chuckell on a previous book in the series.

At the same time, I'd like to suggest to John that he back up HIS support with some specific reasons as to why anyone should read this book.
Hard evidence, not personal insults, would provide a much more convincing argument.

Are you a Macmillan publicist?

For myself, I like to finish a book when I buy it. Doing so is, since you mention it, one of the things I enjoy in my life. I bought Dune: House Atreides and I did finish it though at some risk to my sanity and outlook on life--it was that soul-suckingly awful. If I save one person from making that same mistake I will consider it a job well done.

I just think what you are doing is wrong on so many levels. If you aren't even going to read the book then don't post any comments. It is pretty obvious that you don't like either of author's works. At this point you'ld think you would of figured that out, and not waste your and everyone else's time by posting comments on something you know absolutely nothing about. Get a life and start enjoying it.

Well aren't you the wonder child. Does this ability of yours extend to sporting events also?

I didn't do a review, I posted to online bulletin board discussion of the latest title in a series. Mentioning the fact that a previous book in the series by the same author was absolutely, irredeemably shitty is perfectly germane and valid.

Then how can you do a review if you haven't even read the book? You must be pretty awesome.

Having subjected myself to Dune: House Atreides I think Ampoliros is utterly justified in not spending a dime to support the venture of publishing more of this derivative crud. That book was shamefully, shamelessly awful and I am confident that all the volumes that followed it are equally bad.

Sad. It doesn't even sound like you read the book.

The 'writers' of this series have decided not only to tell you what happened between the first and second books of Frank Herbert, they also feel it is important to reveal that it is characters of their own creation which actually deserve the credit. If you loved Frank Herbert's Dune, stay away from this trash. I do not use that word lightly.

This opinion is based off of preview chapter's released by the publisher that I have read, as well as a basic synopsis.

Please feel free to discuss.